August, 2010

The Southpointe Rink Rats’ Board of Directors is very excited to embark on another exciting year of youth hockey and we want to warmly welcome you to the Southpointe family for the 2010-11 season. 

Our goal remains unchanged at Southpointe.  That is to develop the youth of our organization, not only in terms of hockey but in terms of every day life.  We strive to provide a place to learn the greatest game on earth in a safe and friendly environment at differing levels of competition, to build long lasting friendships and most importantly to "HAVE FUN".  Our teams run the gamut of advanced players to true beginners this year so that we truly have a place for everyone to play as we constantly remind ourselves,  “Hockey is for everyone".

There are new challenges every year and this year they present themselves in the form of rising costs and a shortage of ice times.  The Board has decided to implement a modified version of the USA Hockey ADM practice plan for players at the Mite and Squirt level.  This change will help to keep those costs from hitting home with our Membership and to maintain a satisfactory level of ice time for our teams.  This new model will be challenging at first but, with the talented core of volunteer coaches we have, should come much easier as we progress through the season.

As always, the focus of Southpointe Hockey is to teach the fundamentals of hockey and provide a competitive environment with a family atmosphere and to ensure that our kids who play hockey, learn to love hockey.   We have a special group of coaches and business managers and I am confident that they provide the necessary guidance to keep us heading in the proper direction.

We've already had a Checking Clinic / Skills Camp for our teams with IHC Hockey.  As well, we are continuing with our Power Skating Program with world renowned Power Skating Coach Marianne Watkins.  There will be additional future player development events for all age levels throughout the season.  If you have any ideas on this front, please share them with your coach so we can implement them for the season.  

Most importantly, the strength of Southpointe Hockey is the continuing support of you, the Membership.  We have worked extremely hard to foster a family atmosphere and we want to bring all of the best ideas that come from you to the table.  Please use the website -  www.southpointehockey.org – as an informational resource (Southpointe activities, notices, etc.) and to find contact information for Board members so that we can answer questions, concerns or field suggestions that will improve your overall experience. 

Looking forward to another great year for the Black and Red!

Steve Anthos - President, Southpointe Hockey